Side boat trips start where the Manavgat River meets the Mediterranean — a stretch of water unlike anything else on the Turkish coast. Daily cruises to Dolphin Island, Turtle Bay, pirate boat adventures and private yacht charters. Hotel pick-up included.
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Most boat trips in Turkey start from a harbour and head out to sea. Side does it differently. The boats here begin on the Manavgat River — a wide, calm waterway lined with forest and wooden boat yards — and then follow the current south until the river opens into the Mediterranean. At that meeting point, where cold river water and warm sea water mix in the same bay, the boats drop anchor for the first swimming stop of the day. It's one of the more unusual experiences available on a Turkish boat trip, and most people don't know about it until they're already on the water.
From there, the routes vary. The Dolphin Island trip heads east along the coast toward the small island where bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted — sightings aren't guaranteed, but frequent enough that the name has stuck. The Turtle Bay route goes in the opposite direction, past the ancient peninsula of Side with its Temple of Apollo visible from the sea, and into waters where Caretta Caretta turtles nest on the beaches. The pirate boat is the most theatrical option — a large galleon-style vessel with a costumed crew, foam party, onboard entertainment and activities designed specifically for children.
For groups who prefer their own company and their own itinerary, private yacht and gulet charters are available by the day or longer, with full flexibility over route, stops and catering.
All boat trips include hotel pick-up from Side and surrounding resort areas, onboard lunch and safety equipment as standard.
Side Boat Trips FAQ
Where do Side boat trips depart from?
Most boat trips from Side depart from the pier on the Manavgat River, approximately 3 km from Side centre. Some trips begin directly from Side harbour, near the ancient city. Hotel pick-up is included — coaches collect guests from their hotels and transfer them to the departure point.
What is special about boat trips from Side compared to other resorts?
Side boat trips have a unique feature not found at most Turkish resorts — they start on the Manavgat River before heading out to sea. At the river delta, where freshwater meets the Mediterranean, boats stop for swimming in a bay where you can experience both warm saltwater and cool river water simultaneously.
Can I see dolphins on a boat trip from Side?
Wild bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted in the waters around Dolphin Island, particularly in the morning. Sightings are not guaranteed — these are wild animals in their natural habitat — but the area is one of the more reliable spots on the Turkish Mediterranean coast for dolphin encounters.
Is the pirate boat trip suitable for children?
Yes — it's designed with families in mind. The entertainment team runs activities throughout the day including treasure hunts, face painting, pirate competitions and a foam party. Life jackets are available for all ages. Most children enjoy it enormously.
How long do boat trips from Side last?
Standard full-day boat trips run from approximately 09:00 to 17:00, giving around 7–8 hours on the water including swimming stops, lunch and the return journey. Half-day options are also available for those who prefer a shorter experience.
Can I book a private yacht in Side?
Yes. Private gulet and yacht charters are available for couples, families and groups of any size. The route, timing, catering and any additional services are arranged according to your preferences. Private charters are best booked at least 2–3 days in advance, and earlier during peak season.
